2007 NBA Season Preview - Utah Jazz

A Look at the Upcoming 07-08 Season

Utah Jazz
'06-'07 Record/Standing: 51-31 (.622); Northwest Division Champs
'06-'07 Postseason (if applicable): Lost in Western Conference Finals (4-1 to San Antonio)
Coach (Record): Jerry Sloan, 23^rd season overall (1035-689)
Key Additions: SG Morris Almond (draft; 1^st round, 25^th overall)
Key Losses: PG Derek Fisher (FA; Los Angeles Lakers)

Although it was a nice run, the Utah Jazz ran into reality in the Western Conference Finals. More accurately, they ran into a San Antonio Spurs team that was simply better and more talented than the Jazz. Of course, that is not to discount their run last season through the Conference, winning the Northwest Division and going through both the Houston Rockets and last season's darlings the Golden State Warriors to get that far. They followed up a miserable 2005-2006 season by winning their division and showing that they are growing up quickly and ready to compete in the top-heavy Western Conference. When you think of Utah, they are in the same breath as some of the top Western Conference contenders, teams like Phoenix and San Antonio and Dallas. They play the same style they always have, which is to say tough inside and disciplined when it counts. Their journey is not complete; veteran head coach Jerry Sloan is eyeing that elusive NBA title.

Can this Utah team compete with the better teams in the NBA? Not just in the Western Conference, but also in the improving East where contenders seemingly are being re-built overnight. Deron Williams has proven himself to be a good point guard, but does he have what it takes to consistently do it and give the Jazz their best point guard since John Stockton retired? Can their interior players rise to the occasion again when it matters and dominate? What of Andrei Kirilenko? He was unhappy and demanded a trade before the season. He has since retracted, but is he a malcontent that could doom their chances? Let's take a look at the 2007-2008 Utah Jazz.